We want to thank all our participants, schools, corporate charters that have sailed with us recently and just as importantly thank our crew that have worked tirelessly to make these trips memorable for our guests. They have all dug deep for the last few months and I know it has been a huge ask, but we know it is the students that have benefited.
October we had our second Hine Moana programme and were grateful to have the Award Delivery Advisor from Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award Aotearoa join us. Great to have someone from the award experience what we do and what the students get out of it. By all accounts it was a fantastic trip.
October also saw us host a number of secondary school teachers on board to share with them what we do and experience what students experience when they sail with us. We wrapped up the King’s College Adventure Challenge sailings, sailed both boats with 50 students from Pinehurst School north to Whangarei in some challenging, yet rewarding conditions and then collecting another 50 students to sail back south to Auckland. Kristen College, Hamilton Girls High School and Dilworth all experienced the crazy spring weather, but didn’t let it dampen their spirits. John Coop friends and family had a two boat charter which was a repeat from last year and managed to dodge the weather. We welcomed Eir Evo on board for a weekend too. For the third time, we had the privilege of hosting Oceans Of Hope Challenge NZ that sailed from Auckland to Bay of Islands over 5 days. Our guests are all faced with the disease Multiple Sclerosis, but for 5 days they support each other and push themselves outside their comfort zone. They had some big sail days, but thoroughly enjoyed by everyone on board. We can’t wait to have them again!! Where to next?
The last quarter of the calendar year has been strong and made a real impact. We hope to extend that into next year with enquiries and bookings steadily coming in. If your local school community is interested, you know of a community group that might benefit or want to organize some friends and family to come sailing, get in touch with us. All proceeds go back into our youth development programmes.
The NZ Sailing Trust is on a journey to attract new crew, in particular skippers. If you are interested in skippering our vessels for multi day trips, want to be crew or volunteer. Please contact us evelien@nzsailingtrust.com
We wish everyone a safe and restful Christmas and Summer holiday. We look forward to sharing more adventures in 2023!
